What should I know about purchasing EN 149 FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 masks?

Recently some public places started to require the wearing of EN 149 ffp2 masks, how to identify EN 149 ffp1, ffp2, ffp3 masks? This article takes you through three aspects to quickly understand.

EN 149 ffp1, ffp2 and ffp3 mask is what?

EN 149 is the EU CE marking standard for protective masks ffp1, ffp2 and ffp3. EN 149: Respiratory protection - Filtration half-masks against particulate matter - Requirements, testing, marking.

EN 149 was developed by the European Standards Committee and specifies the minimum requirements for filtering protective masks for protection against particulate matter. The current version of the standard is EN 149:2001+A1:2009. the main categories of protective masks in the EN 149 standard are as follows.

1. According to whether they are with valves or not, they are divided into masks with valves and masks without valves. The presence of valves only affects the wearer's breathing difficulties and does not affect the filtration efficiency.

2. According to whether they can be reused, EN 149 ffp1, ffp2 and ffp3 masks are divided into non-reusable masks and reusable masks, NR stands for non-reusable and R stands for reusable.

3. According to the different filtration efficiency, EN 149 ffp masks are divided into three grades: EN 149 ffp1 masks, EN 149 ffp2 masks, EN 149 ffp3 masks.

How to identify EN 149 ffp1, ffp2 and ffp3 masks?

1. Check the EN 149 mask packaging to ensure that it is protected from mechanical damage and contamination prior to use. EN 149 ffp1, ffp2 or ffp3 masks should be clearly and permanently marked with the manufacturer's name, trademark and the following

2. Anti-particle half-masks that pass the dolomite blockage test should be packaged with the letter "D". Where "D" is not reusable particle filter half mask option, for reusable particle filter half mask is mandatory.

3. Check the mask just look at the CE mark and code is not enough, check the instructions for use is also a method. The first looks to see if it is written in the language of the place of sale, the second to see if the declaration of conformity can be found on the website, and the third to see if the instructions are marked with an address.

In the process of using EN 149 ffp2 masks, the outer layer tends to accumulate a lot of dust, bacteria and other dirt in the outside air, while the inner layer blocks the exhaled bacteria, saliva, so both sides cannot be used otherwise, it will be infected. When the mask is not worn, it should be folded into a clean paper bag and folded inward on the side near the mouth and nose, not just stuffed into a pocket or hung around the neck.

Recommended test equipment for purchase：

G506 Mask Automatic Filter Performance Tester

Mask Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) Tester